Downhole clamp system

ABSTRACT

A downhole clamp system includes a first clamp member having a first body having a first outer surface and a first inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the first outer surface, and a first clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the first outer surface. A second clamp member is arranged adjacent to the first clamp member. The second clamp member includes a second body having a second outer surface and a second inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the second outer surface, and a second clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the second outer surface.

BACKGROUND

Exemplary embodiments pertain to the art of downhole systems and, more particularly, to a clamp system that is secured to an outer surface of a downhole tubular.

Downhole exploration production and sequestration systems employ tubing strings that extend from surface to a downhole formation. Many tubing strings employ sensors, valves and the like that are coupled to surface systems through one or more cables. In some cases, the cables are secured to an outer surface of the tubing string. Further, many tubing strings employ centralizers that centrally locate a tubing string within a wellbore. While ubiquitous in the industry, clamps may become loose over time. A loose clamp may result in cable damage that could impact communications paths between uphole and downhole systems. Further, a loose clamp may allow a tubing string to become offset in the wellbore. Alternative clamping arrangements will be welcomed in the art.

SUMMARY

A downhole clamp system includes a first clamp member having a first body having a first outer surface and a first inner annular surface configured to receive a downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the first outer surface, and a first clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the first outer surface. A second clamp member is arranged adjacent to the first clamp member. The second clamp member includes a second body having a second outer surface and a second inner annular surface configured to receive a downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the second outer surface, and a second clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the second outer surface. Each of the one or more lugs is operatively engaged with a corresponding one of each of the one or more lugs to join the first clamp member and the second clamp member. The first clamping finger is configured and disposed to cooperate with the second clamp member.

A downhole clamp member includes a body having an outer surface and an inner annular surface configured to receive a downhole tubular. One or more extend radially outwardly from the outer surface, and a clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the outer surface.

A resource extraction and recovery system includes an uphole portion having at least one pump and a downhole portion including a downhole tubular having an outer surface. A first clamp member includes a first body having a first outer surface and a first inner annular surface extending about the outer surface of the downhole tubular. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the first outer surface, and a first clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the first outer surface. A second clamp member includes a second body having a second outer surface and a second inner annular surface extending about the outer surface of the downhole tubular adjacent to the first clamp member. One or more lugs extend radially outwardly from the second outer surface, and a second clamping finger extends radially outwardly from the second outer surface. Each of the one or more lugs is operatively engaged with a corresponding one of each of the one or more lugs to join the first clamp member and the second clamp member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings wherein like elements are numbered alike in the several Figures:

FIG. 1 depicts a resource extraction and recovery system including a downhole system having a clamp member, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 depicts a downhole tubular of the resource recovery system of FIG. 1 having a downhole clamping system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 3 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the downhole tubular of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 depicts an axial end view of a downhole clamp of the downhole clamping system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 depicts a downhole tubular including a downhole clamp system, in accordance with another aspect of an exemplary embodiment; and

FIG. 6 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the downhole tubular and downhole clamp system of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A resource extraction and recovery or sequestration system, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 2, in FIG. 1. Resource extraction and recovery or sequestration system 2 includes a platform 3 that supports a surface system 4 operatively connected to a downhole system 6. Surface system 4 may include pumps 8 as well as fluid storage 10. Downhole system 6 may include a downhole string 20 that is extended into a bore 21 formed in formation 22. Downhole string 20 may include a number of connected downhole tubulars or conduits 23. The term “downhole tubular” should be understood to describe a tubular or conduit arranged downhole and/or a tubular or conduit configured for use downhole that may not yet be deployed. A first cable 25 extends from surface system 4 downhole along downhole tubular 23. A second cable 27 extends from surface system 4 downhole alongside first cable 25. As will be detailed below, first and second cables 25 and 27 are secured to an outer surface 30 of string 20 by a downhole cable clamp system 40. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a number of downhole clamp systems 40 extend along string 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2-4, downhole cable clamp system 40 includes a first clamp member 50 and a second clamp member 52. First clamp member 50 is arranged adjacent to, and joined with, second clamp member 52 through a plurality of mechanical fasteners, one of which is indicated at 54. As each clamp member 50, 52 is substantially identical, a detailed description will follow with respect to clamp member 50 with an understanding that clamp member 52 includes similar structure. More specifically, first clamp member 50 is installed on string 20 in a first orientation and second clamp 52 is installed in a second orientation which represents a mirror image of the first orientation. In this arrangement, a clamp having a single geometry may be manufactured to operate in two positions. Further, first and second clamp members 50 and 52 cooperate to retain first and second cables 25 and 27 to outer surface 30 of string 20.

In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, first clamp member 50 includes a body 60 having an inner annular surface 61 and an outer surface 62. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a first lug 66 extends radially outwardly from outer surface 62, a second lug 67 extends radially outwardly from outer surface 62 spaced from first lug 66, a third lug 68 extends radially outwardly from outer surface 62 spaced from second lug 67, and a fourth lug 69 extends radially outwardly from outer surface 62 spaced from first lug 66 and third lug 68. It should be understood that the number and arrangement of lugs 66-69 may vary.

First lug 66 includes a recess 72 that receives a head (not shown) of a mechanical fastener (also not shown) joining first and second clamp members 50 and 52. Similarly, third lug 68 includes a recess 73 that receives a head portion (not separately labeled) of mechanical fastener 54. Second lug 67 includes a threaded passage 78 that receives a mechanical fastener (not shown) passing from second clamp member 52. Similarly, fourth lug 69 includes a threaded passage 79 that receives another mechanical fastener (also not shown) passing from second clamp member 50.

In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, first clamp member 50 also includes a clamping finger 84. In accordance with an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, clamping finger 84 may be formed with first lug 66. However, it should be understood that the location of clamping finger 84 may vary. Clamping finger 84 includes a hook 87 and a curvilinear inner surface 89 that may receive one of first and second cables 25 and 27. As will be discussed more fully below, first and second clamp members 50 and 52 may be joined to retain first and second cables 25 and 27 to downhole tubular 23.

With this arrangement, first and second clamp members 50 and 52 may be mounted to string 20, with second clamp member 52 being arranged as a mirror image of first clamp member 50. First cable 25 may be arranged in clamping finger 84 and second cable 27 may be arranged in a clamping finger (not separately labeled) of second clamp 52. At this point, first and second clamp members 50 and 52 are orientated such that lugs 66-69 register with corresponding lugs (not separately labeled) on second clamp member 52. The registration of first clamp member 50 with second clamp member 52 exerts a clamping force on first and second cables 25 and 27. At this point, first clamp member 50 is joined to second clamp member 52 through the mechanical fasteners.

In further accordance with an exemplary embodiment, first clamp member 50 includes a plurality of recesses 95-97 formed in inner annular surface 61. Similar recesses (not separately labeled) may be formed in second clamp member 52. Recesses 95-97 receive corresponding ones of projections, two of which are indicated at 99 and 100, that extend radially outwardly of string 20. Interaction between projections 99 and 100 and recesses 95-97 constrain first and second clamp members 50 and 52 both axially and radially relative to string 20.

In accordance with another aspect of the exemplary embodiment, relative movement of clamping system 40 and string 20 is constrained through a clamping ring 112, such as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Clamping ring 112 is arranged between first and second clamp members 50 and 52 and includes a C-shape 114 defined by a discontinuity or split 116. Split 116 allows clamping ring 112 to be compressed onto outer surface 30 of string 20. Clamping ring 112 includes a first axially outwardly facing surface 120 and an opposing, second axially outwardly facing surface 122. First axially outwardly facing surface 120 includes a first tapered section 124, and second axially outwardly facing surface 121 includes a second tapered section 125. With this arrangement, first and second clamp members 50 and 52 are brought together and engage first and second tapered sections 124 and 125 causing clamping ring 112 to compress against downhole tubular 23. Clamping ring 112 also interacts with first and second clamp members 50 and 52 to prevent rotation.

At this point it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments describe a cable clamping system suitable for downhole environments. The clamping system employs two substantially identical components, one arranged as a mirror image to the other. The two components are secured to an outer surface of a downhole tubular or string. In this manner, a single component may be manufactured reducing costs and inventory. Further, the clamping system employs a number of counteracting or opposing mechanical fasteners that both join the clamping members and maintain a clamping force. As such, the clamping system of the present invention will withstand downhole environmental conditions without loosening. That is, it is highly unlikely that all of the counter acting mechanical fasteners will loosen allowing the clamp members to move relative to one another freeing the cable of the downhole tubular. Further, it should be understood that while described as being employed to retain cables to an outer surface of a tubular, the clamping system may also function as a centralizer. More specifically, the clamping fingers may be arranged to cooperate with one another and ensure that the tubular is arranged centrally within the wellbore.

While one or more embodiments have been shown and described, modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustrations and not limitation. 

1. A downhole clamp system comprising: a first clamp member including a first body having a first outer surface and a first inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular, one or more lugs extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface, and a first clamping finger extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface; a second clamp member arranged adjacent to the first clamp member, the second clamp member including a second body having a second outer surface and a second inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular, one or more lugs extending radially outwardly from the second outer surface, and a second clamping finger extending radially outwardly from the second outer surface, each of the one or more lugs being operatively engaged with a corresponding one of each of the one or more lugs to join the first clamp member and the second clamp member, the first clamping finger being configured and disposed to cooperate with the second clamp member.
 2. The downhole clamp system according to claim 1, wherein one or more of the one or more lugs includes a threaded passage.
 3. The downhole clamp system according to claim 1, wherein the first inner annular surface includes one or more recesses configured and disposed to receive a projection extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of a downhole tubular.
 4. The downhole clamp system according to claim 1, further comprising a clamping ring arranged between the first and second clamp members, the clamping ring being configured and disposed to prevent rotational and axial movement of the first and second clamp members relative to the downhole tubular.
 5. The downhole clamp system according to claim 4, wherein the clamping ring includes a first axially outwardly facing surface and an opposing, second axially outwardly facing surface, each of the first and second axially outwardly facing surfaces including a tapered section.
 6. The downhole clamp system according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping finger cooperates with the second clamping finger to retain one or more cables to an outer surface of a tubular.
 7. A downhole clamp member comprising: a body having an outer surface and an inner annular surface configured to engage a downhole tubular, one or more lugs extending radially outwardly from the outer surface, and a clamping finger extending radially outwardly from the outer surface.
 8. The downhole clamp member according to claim 7, wherein one or more of the one or more lugs includes a threaded passage.
 9. The downhole clamp member according to claim 8, wherein another of the one or more lugs includes a recess configured and disposed to receive a head portion of a mechanical fastener.
 10. The downhole clamp member according to claim 7, wherein the inner annular surface includes one or more recesses configured and disposed to receive a projection extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of a downhole tubular.
 11. The downhole clamp member according to claim 7, further comprising a clamping ring configured and disposed to be arranged between adjacent clamp members, the clamping ring being configured and disposed to prevent rotational and axial movement of the first and second clamp members relative to a downhole tubular.
 12. The downhole clamp member according to claim 11, wherein the clamping ring includes a first axially outwardly facing surface and an opposing, second axially outwardly facing surface, each of the first and second axially outwardly facing surfaces including a tapered section.
 13. The downhole clamp member according to claim 7, wherein the clamping finger is configured and disposed to retain a cable to an outer surface of the downhole tubular.
 14. A resource extraction and recovery system comprising: a surface portion including at least one pump; a downhole portion including a downhole tubular having an outer surface; a first clamp member including a first body having a first outer surface and a first inner annular surface extending about the outer surface of the downhole tubular, one or more lugs extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface, and a first clamping finger extending radially outwardly from the first outer surface; a second clamp member arranged adjacent to the first clamp member, the second clamp member including a second body having a second outer surface and a second inner annular surface extending about the outer surface of the downhole tubular, one or more lugs extending radially outwardly from the second outer surface, and a second clamping finger extending radially outwardly from the second outer surface, each of the one or more lugs being operatively engaged with a corresponding one of each of the one or more lugs to join the first clamp member and the second clamp member.
 15. The resource extraction and recovery system according to claim 14, wherein one or more of the one or more lugs includes a threaded passage.
 16. The resource extraction and recovery system according to claim 14, wherein the outer surface of the downhole tubular includes one or more projections.
 17. The resource extraction and recovery system according to claim 16, wherein the first inner annular surface includes one or more recesses that receive a corresponding one of the one or more projections.
 18. The resource extraction and recovery system according to claim 14, further comprising a clamping ring arranged between the first and second clamp members, the clamping ring preventing rotational and axial movement of the first and second clamp members relative to the downhole tubular.
 19. The resource extraction and recovery system according to claim 18, wherein the clamping ring includes a first axially outwardly facing surface and an opposing, second axially outwardly facing surface, each of the first and second axially outwardly facing surfaces including a tapered section.
 20. The resource extraction and recovery system according to claim 14, further comprising: at least one cable extending along the outer surface of the downhole tubular, wherein the first clamping finger cooperates with the second clamp member to retain the at least one cable to the outer surface of the downhole tubular. 